Of all the differences between the plans, Senate Democrats appear most attached to the rebates for older people, and they could have leverage in talks with the House, amid a grass-roots campaign by AARP, the advocacy group for older people. Yesterday, an AARP email to its members helped generate 75,000 emails and 1,500 calls to senators’ offices. The group promised to keep up the pressure.

John Rother, AARP’s public policy director, called Ball a tireless defender of Social Security and Medicare. “His dedication has inspired a whole generation of younger advocates and leaders in the field, and his writings will continue to influence the debate for broader health and pension coverage for years to come,” Rother said.

Maybe it’s time to stop supporting your healthy adult children. Or downsize your home and move to a less expensive area. Or – egad! – cut some of your leisure spending. The best way to put more cash in your coffers: Retire later than you planned. “Every extra year you work is a ‘twofer,'” says David Certner, legislative policy director at AARP. “It’s a year that you make money and don’t spend savings.”